Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Pretty as a picture: A participant in the bull painting festival shows off his artistic skills

With their intricate patterns and bright colours, it is hardly surprising if these curious-looking painted bulls attract close attention.

But the reason behind their colourful hides is actually meant to ward off intruders.

Artistic residents in Jiangcheng County, Yunnan Province, China decorated their bulls for a festival, but the tradition began from a small Chinese group who believed painting their bulls would protect their village.

Art attack! This bull might scare off tigers, but the audience peer in to get a closer look

The Hani minority tale preached that the painted bulls would scare away tigers from wandering into their homes.

And this tradition now gives people the prefect excuse to show off their artistic talents.